Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. How do I check in or pick up the keys to the apartment?

Q:How do I check in or pick up the keys to the apartment?

A:Check in is easy. You can arrive anytime after 3 PM and there are no keys to exchange. All of the locks have a keyless entry, where you can enter your personalized four digit code. About 10 days prior to arrival you will receive entry instructions and your personalized code for entry.

2. If I have a question or problem during my stay is there someone I can contact?

Q:If I have a question or problem during my stay is there someone I can contact?

A:Yes, you can always contact us at the number above before, during, or after your stay. We love to hear from you, and we are always eager to help out if you have a question or problem. If you do not get to speak to a live person, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We also send you all of the necessary contact details with the arrival instructions before your visit.

3. Do you have a baby crib?

Q:Do you have a baby crib?

A:Yes, we have a Pack n Play sleeper crib for you to use during your stay at no extra charge.

4. What accessories are in the apartment?

Q:What accessories are in the apartment?

A:We have a fully equipted kitchen with pots, pans, baking sheets, utensil, and everything you need to cook and enjoy a meal. We have a hair dryer in each bathroom, as well as an iron and ironing board. There is a full size washer and dryer in the unit. We even provide laundry detergent. We also have filtered water through the refrigerator’s waterspout.

5. I have a large car. Will it fit in the garage?

Q:I have a large car. Will it fit in the garage?

A:Sumner Street is a narrow street, but we have an exceptionally large garage. Most large full-size vehicles will fit in the garage just fine. The maximum height clearance for the garage is 6’7″. We have had large cars such as a Honda Pilot, Suburban, Tahoe, and Yukon fit in the garage just fine. Sorry, a Hummer will not fit.

6. Do you offer more than one parking space?

Q:Do you offer more than one parking space?

A:One single parking space can be rented with the unit at an additional cost of $20 per day. Under special circumstances with the management’s approval, you can rent an additional parking spot. This additional parking is a tandem parking spot, with one car in front of the other. Please contact us if you need to park two cars.

7. I only need parking for a few days out of my stay. Can this be arranged?

Q:I only need parking for a few days out of my stay. Can this be arranged?

A:Yes, you only have to pay for parking for the days that use the garage. Please contact us to arrange for garage access.

8. How far is the Sumner house from Moscone center?

Q:How far is the Sumner house from Moscone center?

A:Moscone Center is four city blocks from the Sumner House. You can easily walk there within 10 to 15 minutes, 10 minutes by public transportation, or a quick five minute taxi ride.

9. How far are you from Union Square?

10. What is the SOMA neighborhood like? Is it safe?

Q:What is the SOMA neighborhood like? Is it safe?

A:SOMA is in the heart of San Francisco, and there is a lot of night life and activity at all times. The neighborhood is very safe, and we often bike and walk the streets late at night. Many of the neighbors have lived in the area for over 20 years. Although it is far removed from a suburban lifestyle, SOMA offers many amenities you cannot find anywhere else. This includes top-notch restaurants, late night food, and close access to San Francisco’s attractions. In the seven years that we have maintained the property we have never had any incident of crime or aggressive activity at anytime. In fact there are a number of families with young kids who live on the street. We have also welcomed many families with young children over the three years of opening to the public. At Sumner House you will experience San Francisco as a true local. An urban lifestyle is not for everyone, but our many business travelers and families always seem to love the experience.

We are in downtown San Francisco, so you will have to deal with the typical scenario you find in an urban environment such as fire engines, and street traffic. We are on a quiet side street so there will be no city buses going by. We do have brand new double pane Marvin windows which do cut down on some of this noise.

11. Are there many hills in the SOMA district?

Q:Are there many hills in the SOMA district?

A:The SOMA area is completely flat.

12. Do you work with travel agents?

Q:Do you work with travel agents?

A:Yes, we offer a 10% commission for agent bookings. Please contact us for more information.

13. Do you accept a cash payment?

Q:Do you accept a cash payment?

A:We do accept cash as a payment method. A credit card is still required to reserve the booking. Upon arrival we will collect your cash payment and refund your credit card deposit.

14. Do I need to bring my own towels or sheets?

Q:Do I need to bring my own towels or sheets?

A:No, we provide you with all the towels and linens you need. This includes bath towels, wash clothes, kitchen towels, sheets, pillows, and blankets. We also provide you with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Basically everything you find in your own home, you will find in the Sumner House.

15. I see you have two queen beds good for four adults, where do the extra guests sleep?

Q:I see you have two queen beds good for four adults, where do the extra guests sleep?

A:Four adults can sleep in two queen beds. We have two fold down sofa beds in the living room, where an additional 2 to 4 people may sleep depending on the size of the individuals. We have extra sheets and blankets and pillows for these sofa beds as well.

16. I want to plan a party or large gathering. Can I use the Sumner house for this?

Q:I want to plan a party or large gathering. Can I use the Sumner house for this?

A:Yes, we can arrange to host your large gathering. We have had wedding receptions, birthdays, graduation parties, and corporate dinners at the Sumner House. We can comfortably host up to 40 people. There is an extra charge associated with a large group because of the extra cleaning. Contact us for more details.

17. Is the roof deck private?

Q:Is the roof deck private?

A:The roof deck is a private rooftop patio for the Sumner building. The roof deck is shared with the top floor unit in the building which houses the Sumner House management. The rooftop is a great area to watch fireworks or have a barbecue. If you need to arrange a special event please contact us before hand.

18. Does the Sumner House allow pets?

Q:Does the Sumner House allow pets?

A:We allow up to two small pets. There is an additional pet fee of $25/night per pet. Please contact us for more details.

19. Can I receive packages before or during my stay?

Q:Can I receive packages before or during my stay?

A:You can have mail or packages sent to 15A Sumner Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. If you are not home, we may be around during the day to sign for packages for you. Otherwise the shipping company will leave a notice for your package that you can pick up at the shipper’s branch.

For regular mail, we check that every day and we can place it outside the door if you like. For sending mail, there is a post office on 9th and market street. Kinkos Fedex is on 8th and Harrison 2 blocks from Sumner Street. There is also The Packaging Store, one block from the Sumner House on Howard between 8th and 9th that handles all delivery companies.

20. Does the Sumner House have air-conditioning?

Q:Does the Sumner House have air-conditioning?

A:You will find most buildings in San Francisco do not use air conditioning because of our cool marine climate. There is usually a cross breeze in the house, so you can open the windows to cool off. There are also ceiling fans in each room.

21. Are there many stairs to access the apartment?

Q:Are there many stairs to access the apartment?

A:There are 12 entry stairs up to the apartment. To get to the roof deck there are 3 flights of stairs accessible through the back entrance.

22. Where can I buy groceries?

Q:Where can I buy groceries?

A:The closest place to buy groceries is at Harvest Urban Market on the corner of 8th and Howard. This market is right on the corner of the Sumner House and has everything you need in terms of groceries, including a full-service deli, produce, and prepared foods. Costco is a few blocks away, as well as Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods as well.

23. How far is the Sumner House from the Giants ballpark?

24. We want to plan a trip to Napa Valley. Should we stay the night in Napa or commute back to the Sumner House?

Q:We want to plan a trip to Napa Valley. Should we stay the night in Napa or commute back to the Sumner House?

A:Napa is a great and beautiful place to visit, but keep in mind the wineries close down after 5:30 PM. The truth is there really isn’t much to do other than have dinner in the evening in Napa Valley. We recommend that you visit Napa Valley early during the day, and commute back to the Sumner House to sleep. It takes roughly one hour by car to get to the Napa Valley.

25. I have a party of eight or more people. Will we fit in the Sumner House?

Q:I have a party of eight or more people. Will we fit in the Sumner House?

A:We like to say that the maximum occupancy for a comfortable sleep is 6 to 8 people at the Sumner house. This would be using the extra fold down sofas for your extra guests. We have even had larger families who have used the ample floor space to sleep. For larger groups, we often collaborate with our neighbor, who also has a rental unit available. Please contact us for details.

26. We want to stay for less than the three night minimum stay. Can this be arranged?

Q:We want to stay for less than the three night minimum stay. Can this be arranged?

A:If no one else books the days you are inquiring about, we can make an exception for a less than three night minimum stay. The taxes and cleaning fee still apply. Please contact us using the contact form above to acquire about a less than three night minimum stay.

27. We want to stay for a month or more. Can this be arranged?

Q:We want to stay for a month or more. Can this be arranged?

A:Yes, we do offer monthly stays as well as monthly rates. Please check the availability calendar for your desired dates.

28. I need a location for a movie or film shoot. Can I use the Sumner house?

Q:I need a location for a movie or film shoot. Can I use the Sumner house?

A:Yes, you can use the Sumner House for your film or photography needs. An extra booking fee may apply depending on the usage as well as an extra cleaning charge. Please contact us for details.

29. Is it possible to visit the Sumner House and see the apartment before we rent?

Q:Is it possible to visit the Sumner House and see the apartment before we rent?

A:Yes, we can arrange for you to visit the apartment before your stay. Unfortunately, we cannot show the unit while it is being used by other guests, but we are happy to arrange a time when the unit is vacant. Please contact us for more information.

30. I like to workout. Is there a gym nearby?

Q:I like to workout. Is there a gym nearby?

A:There are many local gyms near the Sumner House. Some are within walking distance, while others are a short ride on public transportation. The closest gyms are 24 hour fitness, and golds gym, as well as a local gym two blocks away.